Deacon Fred Carpenter, age 93, of Massillon, Ohio passed away unexpectedly Sunday, December 26, 2021, at Mercy Medical Center Cleveland Clinic.  Fred was born on May 28, 1928 to the late Emmie and Will Carpenter in Magda, Louisiana.

He served in the United States Army and fought in the Korean War.  Fred retired from Republic Steel   after 37 years of dedicated service.  For the last 15 years and right up until his home-going, Fred was an  ACTIVE and LOYAL employee/family member of Rhoden Memorial Home, where he served the Stark County community and surrounding areas with honesty, dignity, and  respect.  He served as a deacon for over 60 years at Friendship Baptist Church.  It was evident in every interaction with him that he loved and trusted the Lord with all of his heart.  His words of wisdom and gentle spirit had an everlasting impact on everyone he encountered.  He never met a stranger and never passed up the opportunity to tell someone about the goodness of God.  Although Fred was a no nonsense man, loving-kindness, gentleness, and patience exuded from his pores.  Fred had a passion for working on cars, being a husband, grandpa, and deacon.  He left this earth as a peaceful and God-fearing man.  Fred affectionately known as Daddy, Dad, Uncle, Grandpa, or Deacon Carpenter will forever be revered, cherished, loved, and deeply missed by all of his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by: sisters, Lucille (Clarence) Bayonne of Alexandria, Louisiana, Helen Carpenter of New York, Willie Mae Carpenter of Alexandria, Louisiana, Dorothy (Clarence) Yancy of Alexandria, Louisiana, Irene "Cricket" (Edward) Piper of Louisiana: brothers, Cleo Carpenter, Hubert Carpenter, Henry Carpenter all of Louisiana. Morris Carpenter, and O'Dell Carpenter both of Massillon, Ohio; grandson, D'Aire Carpenter.

He leaves behind to carry on his legacy- his rock and loving wife of 57 years, Wille Mae Carpenter;  daughter, Christal Carpenter of Massillon, Ohio; sons, Fredrick (Edina) Carpenter of Canton, Ohio, Desmond Carpenter of Columbus,Ohio; grandchildren, Martel, Charnele, Shan "Kor'Shawn" Carpenter all of Massillon, Ohio, Desmond Carpenter Jr. (Daminique) Carpenter of Hawaii, Alexa Carpenter of Columbus, Ohio, Demond Carpenter of Sylvania, Ohio, Christian Stewart (Rachel) of Minerva, Ohio; (12) great grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends whom he loved dearly; best friend and brother-in-law Bobby Stafford.